Morrisons becomes first UK supermarket to introduce new rule at all 500 stores | UK | News

Morrisons has made history by becoming the first major supermarket chain to introduce a new toilet policy in its stores in the UK. The retailer, which operates in just under 500 premises across the country, confirmed that men’s sanitary boxes have been installed in customer toilets at all its branches.

With this move, Morrisons claims to be the first supermarket to meet the criteria of ‘The Bog Standard’, established by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK to help organizations provide essential support to men suffering from urinary incontinence, including many who have received life-saving prostate cancer treatment. The supermarket said the changes were triggered by customer feedback “as well as its wider commitment to continually improving accessibility and inclusive facilities for all customers”.

The announcement was widely praised from online shoppers, with many echoing the sentiment, calling Morrisons a “well done”.

One customer wrote: “My father needed these types of facilities after having a stoma for stage 4 bowel cancer, it was really difficult to find the facilities needed. Well done Morrisons.”

Another added: “Finally a sensible move. A desperate man in Morrisons, Bridport, used to put his incontinence pad under the toilet. It clogged for two days at a time. Very well thought out in the end.”

Another customer commented: “Having bladder cancer I can only say well done Morrisons. It’s a credit to you for making this facility available.”

Another wrote: “A small gesture that will improve the lives of many. Well done Morrisons.”

The initiative does not apply to the retailer’s convenience stores, as not all Morrisons Daily branches have toilets.

David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons, said: “We are proud to be the first supermarket to meet The Bog Standard in every one of our stores.

“By listening to our customers and working closely with both organisations, we recognize the challenges many men face when experiencing urinary incontinence.

“Providing appropriate facilities in all Morrisons stores is an important step in helping customers feel safer and supported when out and about, as well as improving access to appropriate facilities across the country.”

Nick Ridgman, Head of Prostate Cancer Support Services UK, said: “Many men need sanitary bins so they can dispose of their used pads discreetly and hygienically – but often these bins are not available in men’s toilets. This causes men stress and embarrassment and prevents them from going out, going to work and even doing the things they love.”

“Morrisons is making its stores more welcoming and accessible to every employee/customer and we hope other companies will follow. We wholeheartedly support the Dispose with Dignity initiative and hope to see the UK Government support our call to change HSE guidance. This is the only way to ensure men have access to a men’s sanitary bin if they use toilets in public spaces.”

The development comes after Morrisons introduced stoma-friendly toilets in all its supermarkets in March. The retailer has also launched new NHS messaging on its own branded bath and shower products to help more people spot potential cancer symptoms at the earliest stage. Both measures are thought to be an industry first for a supermarket.

Prior to these initiatives, Morrisons introduced Sensory Support Boxes, created in partnership with the National Autistic Society, which aim to improve the shopping experience for customers with autism.